Unveiling the Globe's Unmatched Bars of 2024!
For the first time since the creation of the World's 50 Best Bars list in 2009, a bar outside of New York or London has nabbed the top spot! Let's dive into the electrifying details.
Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City proudly takes the crown as the world's finest watering hole for 2024. Founded and masterfully concocted by Luis Vallejoso and Roberto Alcantar, this clandestine speakeasy captivates both cocktail connoisseurs and ordinary patrons alike. It's a sanctuary where culture, history, and unparalleled mixology merge, making every visit an adventure.
Sips in Barcelona climbed the ranks, securing the third spot, and being crowned as the Best Bar in Europe for 2024. This yearning market-turned-bar, under the leadership of Giacomo Giannotti and Margarita Sader, serves as a testament to the power of creativity and resilience.
"It's an incredible honor, and we will strive to give our best and remain true to our values. Our cocktails look to push the boundaries of creativity," said co-founder Giacomo Giannotti in an interview with 50 Best Bars.
"But success comes at a price. The more we work, the more we discover and the more creative we become. We celebrate, then we return to the bar and we do it again."
The World's 50 Best Bars unveiled their celebrated winners in Barcelona, marking the first time the ceremony took place outside of London. Barcelona boasts three of the top ten bars in 2024, with Sips being this year's standout contender climbing from the 37th spot to the second.
Catalonia's energetic hub also houses two gems: Handshake Speakeasy, whose triumphant transfer to the top position marks a new era for the city's culinary scene, and Paradiso, which clings to its lofty 10th position from the previous year.
Preeminent Spanish potions
Spain boasts no fewer than four entrants on the top 50 for 2024. Salmon Guru in Madrid clinched the first position, establishing itself as a destination for both drinks aficionados and food enthusiasts alike. A sublime balance of mixology, gastronomy, and design, makes Salmon Guru a heavenly haven for quenching your thirst and satiating your appetite.
Italy also dishes out an impressive performance in the top 50 for 2024. The nation's culinary heartland, a cocktail steadfast called Arthesis, takes the number 27 spot. Other notable members on the 2024 list include L'Antiquario Napoli, Barcode Rome, and Dal Pesce Angelo in Milan.
Unveiling Europe's top 10
The top 10 of Europe's finest 2024 look as follows (in no particular order):
- Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City (Best Bar in the World)
- Sips, Barcelona
- Paradiso, Barcelona
- Little Red Door, Paris
- The Connaught Bar, London
- Double Chicken Please, New York
- Alquímico, Cartagena
- Ksu, Barcelona
- Bar JoJo, Munich
- Dante, New York
Exploring the world of cocktails
The 2024 world-class bar scene is marked by a fusion of tradition and innovation. Each year, bars around the globe redefine the boundaries of the cocktail art, and the latest addition to the top 50 is no exception.
From the ingenious mix of science and nature in the French speakeasy, Little Red Door, to the otherworldly creations at Hong Kong's Coa - deriving their names from ancient Chinese texts and ingredients gathered from the far reaches of the globe, the spirit of experimentation and ingenuity continues to drive the cocktail scene forwards.
The in-house fermentation process at Salmon Guru enhances cocktail crafting and extending the lifespan of exquisite wood, sugar, and acid selections to produce some of the most pristine concoctions in the world.
Rising Sounds
In Mexico City's labyrinthine streets, Handshake Speakeasy delivers a harmonious blend of creativity, ambiance, and friendly service. Co-founder Roberto Alcantar says that their primary objective is to create an immersive experience for guests with every visit, merging the perfect amalgamation of fantastic drinks and considerate hospitality.
Renowned for their delicious and expertly crafted cocktails, Sips is the epitome of modernity and understated luxury, attracting a diverse clientele of locals and tourists alike. The intimate wine "cellar," which feels more like a vault than a subterranean chamber, is a testament to the bar's appreciation for the vital role of natural ingredients in cocktail composition.
"Responsible drinking is at the heart of our purpose and practice in crafting cocktails," says co-founder Giacomo Giannotti. "By concentrating on flavor alternatives and utilizing the fruits and herbs we cultivate ourselves, we help control our environmental impact."
So, if you're looking to jumpstart your exploration of the world's 50 best bars in 2024 - it's time to pack your cocktail shaker, mixer, and taste buds! Join us in celebrating the finest watering holes, their passionate proprietors, and the daring creations that continue to push the envelope of the cocktail world.
And, the awards go to...
In addition to crowning the world's top 10, the prestigious World's 50 Best Bars association also recognized the newest bar sensation of 2024. Hailing from Mexico City, Double Chicken Please has captured the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts worldwide, sweeping multiple awards for top innovation, most influential mixology, and many more.
Nearby Singapore provides its share of distinguished bars. In fact, 33 Manhattan is revered for its exquisite high-end baressen, earning the admiration of industry insiders. Dubai's Alplekha, meanwhile, has earned multiple accolades for its captivating decor, unforgettable service, and exclusive ambiance.
In honor of the global pandemic, the bar scene has seen a resurgence in lively entertainment and live music performances to keep guests engaged. Many bars have expanded their offerings to include one-of-a-kind culinary programs and gourmet menus to entice and entertain.
As we cheers to the future, let us never forget that at the heart of every watering hole lies a community of spirited individuals who share a passion for creating unique and memorable experiences. Cocktails are the medium through which we come together, leave our worldly concerns behind, and dance to the rhythm of life's grandest symphony.
"Bars are not just places to drink; they are sanctuaries that celebrate life's milestones, foster friendships, and cultivate enduring memories," says Mark Sansom, content director for 50 Best Bars. "These spaces bring people closer together, transcending boundaries and inviting us to embrace the magic that lies within the simple act of sharing a beverage."
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